From the first sight this Portuguese wine gives the impression of being opulent. The deep purple color certainly contributes to this impression. In reality, on the nose the aroma is elegant, with violet, bergamot, blueberry and some mint. In the mouth the wine is still very young, although already enjoyable thanks to the pleasantly integrated tannins, which influence mainly the drying aftertaste.
Touriga Nacional grapes are a dark-skinned variety. They are considered to produce the finest red wines of Portugal. Widely planted in the Portugal’s northern Dao and Douro wine regions, Touriga Nacional is a key ingredient in both dry red wines and the fortified wines of Porto.
Quinta da Pacheca is an old estate, first mentioned in a document dated 1738. It has been one of the first properties in the Douro region to bottle DOC wines under its own label. Judging from this bottle it is doing a good job in producing good quality wines.
I received this bottle as a present from a friend, who was interested in knowing my opinion about it. I tasted it by myself along an ostrich filet and some roasted potatoes one evening when both my wife and son went out. Overall it has been an enjoyable experience, but I would not be eager to pay the 29 EUR charged at the winery. I imagine that in Portugal it is still possible to get a similar drinking experience at a cheaper price level.
Country: Portugal
Region: Douro
Grapes: Touriga Nacional
Type: Red
Vintage: 2015
Producer: Quinta da Pacheca
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5